Closed ecological systems (CES) are ecosystems that do not rely on matter exchange
with any part outside the system.
Although the Earth itself fits this definition, the term is most often used to
describe much smaller manmade ecosystems. Such
systems are scientifically interesting and can potentially serve as a life support
system during space flights, in space stations
or space habitats, or in submarines.
In a closed ecological system, any waste products produced by one species must be used by at least one other species. If the
purpose is to maintain a higher life form, such as a mouse or a human, waste products such as carbon dioxide, faeces and urine must eventually be converted into oxygen, food, and water.
A closed ecological system must contain at least one autotrophic organism. While both
chemotrophic and phototrophic organisms are plausible,
almost all closed ecological systems to date are based on a phototroph such as green algae.
Major (large-scale) closed ecological systems include Biosphere 2, MELISSA, and the BIOS-1, BIOS-2, and
BIOS-3 projects.
An ecosphere is a glass enclosed, self-contained and self-sustaining closed
ecosystem sold primarily as a gift or experiment. It can include tiny shrimp, algae, gravel, decorative shells, and
gorgonia.
See also
Sources
- "Manmade Closed Ecological Systems." I. I. Gitelson, G. M. Lisovsky and R. D. MacElroy. Taylor & Francis (2003) ISBN
0-415-29998-5.
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